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Vendors We Adore: Terry Goodman of Platinum Photography

The Something New Entertainment team first became acquainted with Terry Goodman of Platinum Photography through our mutual association with an informal photography (and photographer-admirers) club — a band of fun wedding pros who love an excuse to hang with other “cool vendors,” whether it’s to eat tacos on a Tuesday evening or to network online, helping answer one another’s questions about venues and computers or just provide support and humor about the crazy life that is working in the wedding industry.

What we like about Platinum Photography: Terry is warm, welcoming, and friendly, which is a HUGE plus for someone that will effectively be your shadow for 8+ hours on your wedding day — wouldn’t you rather be with someone who will make you calm or make you laugh? We also like her style — she has a very vintage-y quality to her work. She sometimes uses black-and-white, quasi-sepia, or faux hand-colored effects in her editing, which compliments that shooting style well.

Enough talk — let’s see the pictures! On to the interview:

Photo by Terry Goodman of Platinum Photography.

Something New Entertainment’s DJ Anna-Jeannine “AJ9” Herman: What first interested in pursuing a carer in photography?Terry Goodman of Platinum Photography: I used to work at a car rental company here in Cleveland. An Angel came in one night and spoke to me for an hour about my passion for photography. He asked me why I wasn’t pursuing it. I told him I could get school loans & mentoring from other photographers but I couldn’t afford the equipment. A week later he showed up out of the blue and handed me a bright yellow Dodd’s Camera Bag. He gave me his card and left. He bought my first new camera so I could go to school for photography. I wrote him numerous thank you emails and cards over the years, but he has never responded. So I call him my Angel. And take it as a sign that this is what I’m supposed to be doing!

Photo by Terry Goodman of Platinum Photography.

Photo by Terry Goodman of Platinum Photography.

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DJ AJ9: How long have you been photographing weddings?TG: I’ve been a photographer now for 12 years. I’ve been a professional wedding photographer for the past 7 years.

DJ AJ9: What do you enjoy most about being a wedding photographer?TG: My favorite part of being a wedding photographer is hearing my client’s love stories. I’m a romantic at heart. My 2nd favorite part is that I get to create art as my full time job. That is pretty awesome!

Photo by Terry Goodman of Platinum Photography.

DJ AJ9: What is the most important consideration couples should make when hiring a photographer for their wedding?

TG: I believe first you find a few photographers who create images that stand out to you. And next you check out the photographer’s personality keeping in mind that you will be with this person for most of your wedding day. And also they will be interacting with your family & friends. And last but not least, invest in someone who has experience. You are trusting this person with images you will pass down to your children & hopefully your children’s children.

Photo by Terry Goodman of Platinum Photography.

DJ AJ9: What are some ways that couples can prepare for their wedding day to help ensure better photos?TG: I always meet with my clients one to two weeks before the Wedding to go over all the final details including photo locations etc. That way I show up on the wedding day prepared for whatever the day may bring. In this way I always help my clients prepare for wedding day photos by assuring them that I will take care of everything. 🙂

Photo by Terry Goodman of Platinum Photography.

Photo by Terry Goodman of Platinum Photography.

DJ AJ9: What’s your favorite “must capture” moment during the day?TG: I love capturing the Groom’s face as the Bride is walking down the aisle. And also the first dance. They are always the MOST romantic moments to me.

Photo by Terry Goodman of Platinum Photography.

Photo by Terry Goodman of Platinum Photography.

DJ AJ9: What’s the question I’m not asking you but you wish I would, or What’s the question that clients usually don’t ask you but you wish they would?TG: Why should clients do an engagement session? It helps the photographer get to know the clients so there is a level of comfort on the wedding day. And it allows the photographer to see if there is anything they need to pay attention to like a blinking groom etc. It also allows the clients to see the photographer’s work before the wedding giving the client even more faith in the photographer.

Photo by Terry Goodman of Platinum Photography.

DJ AJ9: What do you look for in a great DJ and what are your DJ pet peeves? How can your DJ “co-workers” help you, hurt you, or irritate you throughout the day?TG: DJs who try to put me in control [of the timeline] during the reception (basically doing the DJ’s job). It’s happened to me twice. I need to be worried about photographs, not what time the cake cutting is or getting the clients away from guests to do the cake cutting. 🙂

Photo by Terry Goodman of Platinum Photography.

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About Terry Goodman and Platinum Photography:

My name is Terry Michelle Goodman. I am a lover of Starbucks Caramel Macchiatos, sunsets, architecture, the ocean, old barns, comic books, movies, the Cleveland Browns and books. And most importantly, I’m a romantic at heart. I would call my style a fusion of photojournalism & fine art. I’m just as comfortable photographing in an alleyway as I am in an open meadow, garden or inside someone’s home. I’m passionate about and adore my career!